Coffee Shops Make Me Happy!

Before I start my blog...

Let me ask you...WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO MY BABY?

...I guess the obvious answer is...she turned into a beautiful young lady (at least in THIS picture)!

Anywho...


So, for another night, I am sitting at a coffee shop grading papers. What was I thinking when I said to myself, "I want to be an English teacher?" Every year I think I am going to find a better way to grade papers, and every year I find myself in the same pinch, which is grading almost non-stop around the time grades are due. How am I supposed to measure student learning of writing without having them write and me having to grade it? Damn...I hope to figure it out someday.

At least the smell of coffee makes me happy...although I drank 80 ounces of coffee yesterday and probably just as much today. The withdrawal is going to be hell.

Other than that...making wedding plans, getting ready to move into a new house, coaching my daughter's basketball team (we're 3-0! I rock!), taking two classes at the university, and teaching part-time. I think somewhere in there I am supposed to be a mom, too.

Mads is in a new club at school. It is cool. It teaches the kids to research a topic and then turn it into an improvisational skit. She is excited. Me, too...she actually has something to do to keep her occupied when she says..."I'm bored." Yeah!

Joel is planning to move at the end of February. He will be looking to unload some stuff for free or donations to help him drive across country. If you all know anyone, we've got a sleeper sofa, dining room set, a gently beaten (haha) computer desk, and some kitchen odds and end. It would be nice to get something out of it...but it would be great if we could help people out. Let us know. Or, let me know...and I will let him know.

Joel is really busy, too. Working full time and finishing his degree at Pacific...I know he isn't really good about calling anyone, but if you guys have some leftovers or want to invite him to dinner, I would appreciate it. I know he isn't eating right, if at all...okay, but fast food doesn't count.

Laters

Please see blog below before reading this one...haha

OK...Ready for this?

I am on my way to go wedding dress shopping! Joe'l and I are officially engaged! How could I say no? Other than the fact that I am crazy in love with him...he asked me while he was holding my cat and with my daughter at his side.

Fresno Christmas was fun. I wish I would have gotten to see more people, but that time of the year is crazy. I was able to watch 5 basketball games of a girl I coached at Sanger. It was great...in one of them, she hit the game winner at the buzzer. It felt so go to watch her and be able to cheer for her instead of coach her. I can only hope that will happen soon with Madissen.

I spent time with family and friends and even made a few new friends. The best was having Joe'l, Madissen and I together again with Simon, too! We are really happy and looking forward to be back together as a family very soon.

My next semester starts tomorrow at the University. I was able to get A's in the classes I took last semester. They really kicked my butt, but I am getting through it and will be fortunate for getting this degree. I am looking into the publishing industry right now.

Madissen is doing well. She had a basketball game yesterday...10 points, 18 rebounds. She is going to be soooo good. I am so proud of her. All A's and beautiful as ever.

She will be trying on some dresses, too.

We'll post pics...

B

Happy New Year

Kiss This!

Happy New Year!

Bec and Mads!